Construction of mosaic museum leads to discovery of another ancient mosaic

This "new" mosaic will be another featured piece of the new museum.

In Israel, before any construction operation can begin, the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducts an investigation in order to ensure no valuable pieces of ancient history are lost before they can be discovered. This practice is paying off in a big way after an Ancient Roman mosaic was found during such an investigation. Funnily enough, it was found on the future site of a new mosaic museum.

The museum is being constructed in the city of Lod, about 10 miles from Tel Aviv. From 1996 to 2009 archaeologists worked to uncover the “Lod mosaic,” one of the largest and best preserved mosaics found in the country. The images depict land animals, fish and two Roman ships.

While the team was excavating the area that will become the visitors’ center of the museum, at a site which was once a villa belonging to a wealthy Roman merchant, they unearthed another piece of the 1700-year-old mosaic tiled floor.

In 2015, another mosaic that depicts a bird was found in the surrounding area of the villa. This mosaic will also be put on display when the new Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Center finally opens, in 2019.

“The excavations at the site exposed a villa that included a large, luxurious mosaic-paved reception room (triclinium) and an internal columned courtyard, also with mosaics, and a water system,” he said. “We found evidence for Mediterranean luxury that characterized the Roman Empire, including attributes such as fresco wall paintings.”

He went on to say that he hoped that further excavation would shed light on other aspects of the villa, such as size, number of rooms, and if there was a second floor.

Lod’s mayor, Adv. Yair Revivo said, “It is fascinating to learn how many centuries ago the centrality and the potential of the Lod environs was appreciated by the ancient residents. The establishment of the center exhibiting aspects of the rich history of Lod will provide an impressive gateway to the city.”